BLOG 100      THE APOSTLE JOHN’S WITNESS OF JESUS #5      4/4/2021

John 1:19-27

 

When John the Baptist started his public ministry, the Israelites had a greater hope the Messiah was about to deliver them from Roman captivity. Some of the Jewish leaders wondered if John the Baptist could be the promised Messiah. When he was asked John said, “No.”

 

If John was not the Messiah, then could he be a figure of end-time expectation? Could he be Elijah? Malachi 4:5 said Elijah was coming before the day of the lord. Matthew 17:10, NASB said, the disciples asked Jesus why the scribes say that Elijah must come first (Matthew 17:10, NASB). II Kings 1:8 and Mark 1:6 indicate Elijah and John the Baptist were alike in appearance. When John was asked if he was Elijah he said, “No.” John was asked, Are you the Prophet (John 1:21, NASB)? It was an obvious reference to the prophet Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15-18). Again, John the Baptist said, “No.”

 

Who then was John the Baptist? He said, I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD (John 1:23, NASB). John knew some of the people wanted to elevate him to a position greater than what was rightfully his. John showed he was a humble man when he said, He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie (John 1:27, NASB).      

 

Next week’s study - John 1:35-51

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